Castle House followed the first-over cover of Socks N Crocs, then edged by in the shadow of the wire to capture Thursday’s (Dec. 8) co-feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $12,100 conditioned trot. 

Sent off the 8-5 favourite, Castle House trotted patiently for Brian Zendt, hugging the pylons until cover emerged. Even in the lane, the three-year-old son of Conway Hall-Winning Missbrenda never threatened to blow by, instead scoring a measured half-length victory in 1:56.3. Socks N Crocs was a well-meant second, with ABC Show Time third.

Castle House now has earned $146,784 for trainer Tom Loughry Jr. and owner Brocious Racing Stable Inc.

In Thursday’s other co-features, each worth $12,100:

• Baker Time took a conditioned pace in 1:57.2, notching his seventh win this season for Dave Palone, trainer Dan Ross and owner David Kapp;
• Mystical Peter, the 3-5 favourite, notched a front-end victory in 1:54.3 — a tick off his lifetime mark, for Palone and owner/trainer Todd Keith. Believer and Stormfield completed the ticket.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 13-race program features a pair of carryovers: $22,740.04 in the final-race Jackpot Super Hi-5, $971.31 in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)